The 6 Best VR Accessories

 Virtual reality can be one of the most immersive experiences you can have. Whether you're strapping into the Oculus Quest 2, the Valve Index, or anything in between, entering the world of VR can be a unique and exciting new frontier. But if you're going to make the most out of spending time in a virtual space, you'll want the best VR accessories to help you remain in that world. 

As organizations continue to push and evolve new technologies, devices that accompany the VR world are changing as well. These accessories will help make your headsets comfortable, reliable, and ready to go at a moment's notice. The best VR accessories can do all of this and more. 

Read on for our picks of the best VR accessories, from charging docks to carrying cases and just about anything else you can think of. It’s time to personalize your time within VR.  

The Rundown

Best Charging Station:

 Anker Charging Dock at Oculus

Best Carrying Case:

 Esimen Hard Carrying Case at Amazon

Best Straps:

 KIWI Design Knuckle Strap at Amazon

Best Grips:

 AMVR Touch Controller Grip Cover at Amazon

Best Earbuds:

 Logitech G333 VR Gaming Earphones at Amazon

Best Headphones:

 Logitech G PRO Gaming Headset for Oculus Quest 2 at Amazon

Best Charging Station: Anker Charging Dock for Oculus Quest 2

Anker

View On Oculus

What We Like

• Clean and modern design

• Keeps your headset and controllers charged

• All wireless setup

What We Don't Like

• A bit expensive compared to most charging stations

Organize your space and your playtime with the Anker Charging Dock, which supports the Oculus Quest 2 and Touch. This 2-in-1 charging dock comes with powerful rechargeable batteries and battery covers that not only perfectly match your headset, but offer a place to rest when it's done for the evening. Charge your headset and controllers at the same time, so you're ready to jump in and play when you want to, not when your headset is done charging.

Plus, everything is wireless, so you don't have to worry about messy cable management getting in the way of your VR sessions. It’s a great option for anyone who plays regularly, as well as those who only occasionally dabble in virtual reality.  

_{Compatibility: Oculus Quest 2, Oculus Touch | Cable Type: USB-C to C | Charge Time: 2.5 hours}

The 8 Best VR Headsets of 2022

Best Carrying Case: Esimen Hard Carrying Case for Oculus Quest 2

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

• Attractive, sleek case design

• Crush-resistant, anti-shock, and water-resistant

• Holds controllers and small accessories

What We Don't Like

• Not perfect for footsteps or more subtle sounds

If you plan on transporting your Oculus Quest 2 anywhere, you likely don't want to keep it in its original box. Taking it elsewhere with you is a good idea since it's portable. But you'll want to keep it safe if you do. That's where the Esimen Hard Carrying Case comes in.

This crush-resistant, anti-shock, and water-resistant case is everything you need to make sure your VR headset is good to go in the event it tumbles out of your hands and onto the pavement. Not only can it hold your headset, but it can also hold your touch controller and small accessories. It comes in an attractive gray color and looks just as sleek as your headset and controllers.

_{Compatibility: Oculus Quest 2, Oculus Touch | Material: Semi-hard EVA | Water Resistant: Yes | Design: Zippered case with small collection bag and elastic bands}

VR’s Future Goes Beyond Gaming

Best Straps: KIWI Design Knuckle Strap for Oculus Quest 1/Oculus Rift S

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

• Adjustable wrist loops

• Sliding piece helps to tighten loop

• Sweat-proof and resistant to wear

What We Don't Like

• The attached loop can occasionally cross over in front of controller's buttons

When the action gets going in your favorite VR game, you're going to want to make sure you have a good grip on your controllers. KIWI Design's Knuckle Strap will help ensure that when those punches are flying and you're pulling off sweet dance moves in Beat Saber, you won't have to worry about a controller going through the TV or window. 

They're adjustable to your liking while remaining resistant to wear and staying comfortable. You can install them via the included rubber loop or the ties on the controller circle, which makes it easy to add them to your controller. The sliding piece on the end of the strap can be pushed up to tighten it further. It's a must-have if you're going to be moving around a lot with your controllers in hand.

_{Compatibility: Oculus Quest 1, Rift S Touch controllers | Material: PU leather | Water/Sweat Resistant: Both | Adjustable: Yes}

Best Grips: AMVR Touch Controller Grip Cover for Oculus Quest, Quest 2 or Rift S

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

• Adjustable velcro

• Silicone material

• Strong elastic to stay wrapped around your hand

What We Don't Like

• When stretched too far, the elastic can become loose

Sweaty hands are a reality for anyone who plays games for extended periods of time, so it shouldn't come as a surprise if your VR controllers start feeling a little clammy from time to time. And when they get that way, you're more in danger of throwing them by accident. Or maybe you don't have issues with sweat, but you wish you could get a better grip on the controllers. The AMVR Touch Controller Grip Cover is perfect for those situations. 

This grip protects your controllers as well as your home from accidents. Made from premium TPU plastic, each grip has an elastic band to help secure your hand to the controller for an anti-slip grip. You can adjust the handle via a velcro strip, and your palm helps to size each handle. Plus, the silicone offers a cooling sensation that helps keep you comfortable while you're hanging out in virtual reality.

_{Compatibility: Oculus Quest 1, Quest 2, Rift S Touch controllers | Material: TPU plastic | Water/Sweat Resistant: Sweat resistant | Adjustable: Yes}

Best Earbuds: Logitech G333 VR Gaming Earphones for Oculus Quest 2

Amazon

View On AmazonView On Best BuyView On Oculus

What We Like

• Comfortable in-ear design

• Various silicone tips to swap out for correct sizing

• Dedicated drivers for every part of your game's audio

What We Don't Like

• Not wireless with a lengthy but customizable cord

Though you can use your VR headset without needing additional earbuds, having a pair definitely enhances the experience. The Logitech G333 VR Gaming Earphones for Oculus Quest 2 are the official earphones for use with the headset. They make it so that only you can hear what's going on in your virtual world, ensuring that you can enjoy the game you're playing without disturbing others. 

You'll also get louder sounds and music to improve your game and your focus. With dedicated drivers for highs and mids and one for bass, these buds are perfect for recreating the action in-game. The earbuds come with three different flexible, soft silicone tips for you to find the right size so that you can keep the buds tightly in your ears while you play. They connect to your headset via 3.5mm aux, with a custom-length cable and straps to keep them in place. 

_{Compatibility: Oculus Quest 2 | Type: Wired | Connection Type: Custom-length 3.5mm aux cable | ANC: Noise reduction | Water/Sweat Resistant: Neither}

The 10 Best Earbuds of 2022 for Music, Workouts, and More

Best Headphones: Logitech G PRO Gaming Headset for Oculus Quest 2

Amazon

View On AmazonView On Best BuyView On Oculus

What We Like

• Immersive over-ear audio solution

• Comfortable and lightweight materials

• Clear and precise sound

What We Don't Like

• Wired headphones, no wireless option

If you want the most immersive sound experience in VR, you'll want to opt for a headset that ensures you feel as though you're right there in-game. The Logitech G PRO Gaming Headset for Oculus Quest 2 is the official over-ear option for when you're gaming in VR. It comes with passive noise isolation to help you sink into the game without outside distractions, while its materials are comfortable and feel good for long-term wear. 

It's light on the head while delivering high treble and low bass, with clear sounds coming through at all frequencies, no matter if you're grooving to Dance Central or becoming Alyx Vance in the world of Half-Life. Plus, the steel-reinforced headband means the headset will remain durable.

_{Compatibility: Oculus Quest 2 | Type: Over-ear, wired | Connection Type: Custom-length 3.5mm aux cable | ANC: Noise isolation | Water/Sweat Resistant: Neither}

The 10 Best Gaming Headsets of 2022

Final Verdict

Our best VR accessories include a variety of options to choose from so that you can improve your overall experience. One of the most useful items you’ll definitely want to have in your repertoire is the Logitech G PRO Gaming Headset for Oculus Quest 2 (view on Amazon). Sound is incredibly important when it comes to ensuring you’re able to pay attention to your game. Plus, it’s a good way to ensure you don’t have to bother others in your living space if you share it with your favorite games. Never miss another bullet whizzing by your head again, and stay on beat while grooving along in Beat Saber.

About Our Trusted Experts

Brittany Vincent is a freelance video game and entertainment writer whose work has been featured in publications and online venues including G4TV.com, Joystiq, Complex, IGN, GamesRadar, Destructoid, Kotaku, GameSpot, Mashable, and The Escapist. She is the editor-in-chief of mojodo.com.

FAQ

• How do I keep from fogging up the screen in VR?

  If you wear glasses or breathe heavily during a VR session, you may find that your goggles become fogged up, and you can’t see the game. A great solution to this is applying a non-fogging solution to the lenses—a product such as Cat Crap (view on Amazon) will prevent this problem from happening. That way you can play as long as you want without having to worry about the screen becoming so foggy you can no longer see the action. 

• Why would you need a charging dock to keep your headset charged?

  While it’s true your headset likely comes with a way to either connect it to your PC and charge it (by way of a brick or cable), this isn’t always the fastest process. A dedicated charging dock gives you an option when it comes to looking for both a place to store your headset when not in use as well as charging it. That way, the next time you’re ready to play, you can just pick up your fully charged headset and go.

• How do I know which VR headset to purchase?

  In addition to consulting our guide to the best VR headsets, you should consider the games you want to play, the amount of space you have, and how functional your computer is or isn't with the headset you're eyeing. Different units are better for mobile or home use, some don't have wires, and others even offer a complete room scale package for you to turn your whole home into a virtual reality entertainment space. Be sure to consider all of these factors before making a purchasing decision.

• Do I really need all of these extra accessories?

  No, and these accessories aren’t required. But there are often items that can help make the entire VR experience a much more fresh and exciting one. You can improve grip for the controllers, battery life, and even make sure you have a much more secure method of transportation for your headset. So while you don’t need to pony up for more ways to enhance the experience, they’re always good options to consider. 

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The 8 Best Portable Jump Starters of 2022

 purchased the Apple M1 iMac so our reviewer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

The Apple M1 iMac (2021) represents the first major update to the line since 2016. It’s forward-looking as the first iMac to sport Apple silicon under the hood, but it also hearkens back to days gone by with a fanciful selection of color options.

This iteration of hardware has a bigger display, an upgraded microphone, speakers, and camera, and an optional TouchID-enabled Magic Keyboard, in addition to a number of other upgrades and design tweaks compared to the last Intel iMac.

Having already spent a lot of time with the M1 MacBook Air and Mac mini Apple released in 2020, I was quite curious to see how similar hardware might be implemented in the iMac line. I chose the entry-level model for testing, decked out in a soothing two-tone metallic blue, cleared some desk space, and replaced my regular work rig for about a month.

Over the course of my month with the M1 iMac, I specifically tested things like network performance and gaming benchmarks, but I also used it for work, media, voice and video calls, and gaming. There were a few instances where I had to fall back to my Windows rig, specifically for unsupported games, but the M1 iMac handled just about every other task without issue. 

Design: Colors are back, and they look better than ever

Apple could have taken the easy route and just swapped the M1 hardware into the existing iMac line, but the M1 iMac represents a total redesign from the ground up. The basic look is fairly similar, but the new design has cleaner lines, a uniformly thin body, thinner screen borders, and comes in a variety of attractive colors.

The latter represents a bit of a return to form, as the iMac line was once known for its bright, friendly color options, but the last few iterations have been available only in shades of white, silver, and grey.

While the front of the new iMac looks fairly similar to the last version, with a thick bezel and big chin, the similarity fades when you view the machine side-on. Instead of a big bulge on the back to house the internals, the M1 iMac is flat like a tablet. The guts are all located in the chin, which is why it’s still so big.

Expect to invest in a USB-C hub if you don’t already have one.

The stand has also been re-envisioned, as it no longer flares out at the base. It actually looks a lot like the $999 Pro Stand, although it has only a simple hinge to tilt the screen forward and back instead of allowing you to raise and lower it a bit as well. Even without the flare, it provides a rock-solid base.

The USB ports are located on the back of the M1 iMac on the left side. The base model is limited to two USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, while the upgraded version adds two additional USB-C ports. There’s also a microphone jack located on the left side of the chassis, and some models include an Ethernet port built into the power supply. The base model I tested had only the two Thunderbolt ports and no Ethernet port.

Regardless of which model you’re looking at, the bottom line is the 2021 iMac doesn’t have enough ports. The four Thunderbolt and USB-C ports found on the higher-end model aren’t enough, and the paltry two ports you get with the lower-end model definitely fall short. Expect to invest in a USB-C hub if you don’t already have one.

While the jump to Apple silicon is the biggest story here, Apple really hit the design out of the park as well. This is an all-in-one that looks great from every angle. It’s a shame it’s held back by a few small issues, like a baffling lack of ports, but that doesn’t stop it from looking great on your desk.

Display: Beautiful 24-inch retina display

Apple bumped the screen size from 21.5 inches to 24 inches for the M1 iMac refresh, and the difference is remarkable. Apple refers to the panel as a 4.5K Retina display, which translates to a resolution of 4480 x 2520 and a pixel density of 218ppi in terms of hard numbers.

Colors also look fantastic, as the display covers the entire DCI-P3 gamut, and it’s quite bright as well. I found myself running it at about 60 percent most of the time, despite the big, south-facing windows in my office.

Performance: The M1 chip continues to impress

The 2021 iMac packs in the same M1 chip first seen in the 2020 Mac mini and MacBooks, and it’s just as impressive here. The version of the hardware I tested came with an 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU, but you can also get the 2021 iMac with an 8-core GPU if you need the extra performance.

Like other M1 Macs, the CPU here is split into four high-performance cores and four energy-efficient cores. This means it’s more energy efficient than a lot of the competition, and single-core performance is remarkably strong, but multi-core performance is only middling.

To get a performance baseline that you can compare to other hardware, I ran a handful of benchmarks. I started off with Cinebench, which has both single and multi-core tests. As expected, the M1 iMac performed exceptionally well in the single-core test and not as great in the multi-core test.

The M1 iMac scored 1492 in the single core Cinebench test, which is only a bit shy of the 1532 scored by an 11th gen Intel Core i7. In the multi-core test, it scored a lower 6893. These numbers are both a bit lower than I saw from the M1 Mac Mini, which put up a single core score of 1521 and a multi-core score of 7662.

After Cinebench, I loaded up GFXBench Metal to run a few gaming benchmarks. The first one I ran was Aztec Ruins (High Tier), which simulates a high end game with real-time lighting and other effects. In that benchmark, the M1 iMac managed to run at about 22 FPS. That’s less than ideal, but on the edge of being playable.

Next up, I ran the Car Case benchmark that simulates a high-speed racing type game. In that benchmark, the M1 iMac managed about 21 FPS. That’s a bit low, but I saw a better result when I ran the less-intense T-Rex benchmark. In that benchmark, the M1 iMac hit 60 FPS.

It’s important to note I tested the entry-level iMac that comes with a 7-core GPU. When I tested the M1 Mac mini with the 8-core GPU last year, it hit about 60 FPS in the Car Chase benchmark, so I expect that an iMac equipped with the 8-core GPU would turn in similar results.

While I had to go back to my Windows machine for most of my gaming due to a lack of compatibility, the iMac performed surprisingly well in the games I did play. I was particularly impressed with how well it ran Final Fantasy 14, which doesn’t have a native M1 client. I was able to squeeze out 30 FPS with relatively high settings and main tank runs of both Tower at Paradigm’s Breach and Delubrum Reginae without incident.

Productivity: Pro users may want to hold off, but the M1 iMac is ready for work

Apple’s powerful M1 chip and a big 4.5K display combine to turn the 2021 iMac into a productivity powerhouse. I used it for my main work machine for about a month without incident, primarily for word processing, image editing, and other productivity tasks. I especially appreciated the size and resolution of the display for image editing. Although I don’t have any specific need for the pro-level wide color gamut, it’s there for those who do require it.

The base level Magic Keyboard swaps in a lock key for the TouchID button, which is less useful.

The M1 iMac comes with the latest version of the Magic Keyboard and the Magic Mouse 2, both appropriately color-matched. The Magic Keyboard offers full-sized keys for fairly comfortable typing, but the key travel is a bit shallower than I like. The biggest feature here is that the keyboard comes with an optional TouchID button.

While the TouchID option isn't available with the base-level model I tested, I know from experience with the M1 MacBook Air that the inclusion of TouchID is a big productivity boost as it allows you to skip entering passwords and easily swap users. The base level Magic Keyboard swaps in a lock key for the TouchID button, which is less useful.

The Magic Mouse 2 that comes with the M1 iMac is the same mouse that’s been around since 2015, with one minor tweak. The glass top is still while, but the sides and bottom are color-matched to your iMac. The lightning charger connector is still inexplicably located on the bottom, so you can’t use it while charging, and it feels uncomfortably small in my hand.

Audio: Excellent built-in speakers and decent Bluetooth for wireless headphones

The 2021 iMac packs in a surprisingly competent six-speaker system, with support for spatial audio, into its thin frame. I’m a habitual headphone-and-earbud user, but I found the built-in speakers to be more than adequate in a pinch.

The speakers are loud enough to fill a large room, and I didn’t notice so much as a hint of distortion even at high volumes. There’s even a bit more bass there than I expected, though a decent set of bookshelf speakers or headphones still provide a superior listening experience.

The 2021 iMac packs in a surprisingly competent six speaker system, with support for spatial audio, into its thin frame.

If you do want to use headphones, the 2021 iMac features an audio jack on the left side of the frame. It also has built-in Bluetooth connectivity, so you can hook up your favorite pair of headphones.

Network: Great speeds over Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6

The 2021 M1 iMac doesn’t have a built-in Ethernet connection, but some models do come with an Ethernet connection in the power brick. Every version supports Wi-Fi 6 though, with backwards compatibility to Wi-Fi 5 if you haven’t upgraded your router yet. I spent most of my time with the iMac connected to an Eero Wi-Fi 5 network that I use because range is more important to me than speed, but I also tested it on a Wi-Fi 6 network and with an Ethernet adapter.

Network speeds were excellent, across the board, compared to other devices I’ve used and tested.

In addition to Wi-Fi and wired connections, the M1 iMac also features Bluetooth 5.0. The Bluetooth connection is primarily used to connect the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2, but I also used it with a pair of AirPods Pro and my Avantree Ario Podio headphones. Sound quality and range were both excellent thanks to the Bluetooth 5.0 support, and I was able to listen to music and podcasts throughout my house.

Camera: 1080P FaceTime camera 

The M1 iMac packs in a 1080P full HD FaceTime camera that’s backed up by Apple’s M1 image signal processor. In practical terms, the camera turns in a uniformly decent image in a variety of light conditions—including low light where a lot of webcams really struggle. It’s a big improvement over the camera included with the MacBook Pro, although the image can look a bit soft or washed out in some lighting conditions.

Paired with the improved camera, the M1 iMac also includes a massively improved built-in microphone array. The three high-quality microphones leverage directional beamforming and a high signal-to-noise ratio to turn in surprisingly good results. 

Software: Big Sur with some beautiful custom backgrounds

Like the first round of M1 Macs, the 2021 iMac ships with macOS 11.4 Big Sur. Apple built this version of macOS with the M1 hardware in mind, and each update has come with M1-only improvements. First and foremost, it has the ability to run iPhone and iPad apps natively, and the ability to run legacy Intel Mac apps via Rosetta 2.

Support for mobile apps is a little spotty, as a lot of apps don’t show up in the Mac App store. For example, smash hit Zelda-clone Genshin Impact isn’t available despite the fact it now supports controllers. Legacy Intel Mac app support is a lot better, and I didn’t run into any trouble running apps through Rosetta 2. Most notably, Photoshop ran without a hitch, and the Final Fantasy 14 client also ran surprisingly well.

Photoshop and other popular apps are slated to eventually get M1 support, but I’ve found Rosetta 2 to deliver more than acceptable performance in the meantime.

What’s New: Apple’s M1 chip and a visual refresh

The iMac (2021) has received a laundry list of changes and updates since the last entry in the line back in 2016. The biggest news is the inclusion of Apple silicon in the form of the M1 chip, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

The overall design of the M1 iMac has been significantly revamped. Colors are back, and it has a 24-inch display, increased from 21.5-inch, despite the overall form factor being very similar. The speakers, microphone, and camera have all received big improvements as well, with the camera having been updated from a mediocre 720p shooter to a full HD 1080p sensor backed up by advanced image processing. 

Price: Expensive, but built to last

With an MSRP of $1,299.00 for the base model, and prices just going up from there, the M1 iMac is undeniably expensive. You can get a 24-inch Windows all-in-one for a lot less than that, but the iMac justifies its price with superior capabilities and styling. The combination of convenience and power makes this well worth the price tag.

M1 iMac (2021) vs. M1 Mac mini

This might seem like an odd comparison, but it’s an important one. The 2021 iMac and 2020 Mac mini have very similar hardware, with the major difference being the iMac is an all-in-one with a beautiful display, while the Mac mini doesn’t have a built-in display.

The reason this is an important comparison is the base 2020 Mac mini has an MSRP of $699.00, while an iMac with the same CPU and GPU has an MSRP of $1,499.00. That means you could feasibly pair a Mac mini with a 28-inch 4K display like the Asus VP28UQG and save about $500 compared to just buying an iMac.

While the M1 Mac mini is a powerful little machine with a great price tag, the iMac has a big advantage in its simplicity. It works right out of the box, without needing to shop for or set up any additional hardware, and it looks really nice too. It also has great speakers and a fantastic FaceTime cam, which you won’t get from a budget third party monitor.

Final Verdict

Trade in your Intel iMac for a splash of color.

The new iMac (M1, 2021) is a massive improvement over its predecessor, offering excellent performance, a beautiful Retina display, great sound, and a slick, colorful look. Power users who need more memory or a more powerful graphics chip may want to wait for an update to the iMac Pro line, but just about everyone else should be satisfied by this hardware.

Product NameiMac 24-inch (2021)Product BrandAppleMPNMGPC3LL/ARelease DateApril 2021Weight9.83 lbs.Product Dimensions21.5 x 18.1 x 5.8 in.ColorBlue, green, orange, pink, purple, silver, or yellowPrice$1,299.00 - $1,699.00CPUApple M1 chip (8-core CPU w/7 or 8-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine)Memory8-16 GB (8GB as tested)Storage256GB to 2TBPorts2x Thunderbolt as configured (2x Thunderbolt, 2x USB-C, and 1x Ethernet optional configuration)Display Resolution4480 x 2520Pixel Density218 PPIDisplay TypeRetinaWireless ConnectivityWi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0Camera1080p FaceTime HD camera w/M1 image signal processorSoftwareiOS 11 Big SurWas this page helpful?